Kuturun Waziri da Malami 1

The folktale “Kuturun Waziri da Malami,” which translates to “A Leper, a Wicked Waziri, and a Mallam,” was the inspiration for “Atamfa Kuturun Waziri da Malami“, the name of the design. An abstracted frog and palm fronds are included in the motif. The palm fronds add texture to the whole piece. The abstracted palm fronds were used to represent victory, triumph, and peace in the royal household after Waziri’s death. The abstracted frog was buried beneath the palm fronds to represent Waziri’s demise. The design shows how to deal with oppression in a royal residence. When viewing the complete piece, the background has dazzling effects, horizontal lines, and a pause to rest one’s eyes. Linear textures dominate the background, which is black and visually evokes water. Principle of variety in the arrangement of pattern and motif is rhythmically composed in the design. The image is mirror repeat pattern system weaved into an eclectic background of defining lines. The colour scheme is tonally contrasting background that draws attention to the white designs. White in the folktale symbolizes Waziri’s cold and indifferent personality. Socio-cultural significance: This folktale illuminates the triumph of justice in the end, as the oppressor inevitably falls into his own trap.